April 23, 2009
Excellent catches of large walleye were reported last weekend on pool four of the Mississippi River. Sauger are on the spawn now and tougher to catch. Walleyes are post spawn on pool four and likely post spawn on pool three as well. Pool three has been reporting good fishing with good number of 15 to 18 inch walleye being caught.
My guess is the St. Croix River walleye are just about to finish spawning, and should be eager to feed when the opener starts in about ten days. May 2nd is the St. Croix River walleye and sauger opener. Currently panfish and white bass along with species like catfish are open for fishing. Water levels for the St. Croix opener should be normal for spring and considering we have had very little rain, I expect the water clarity to be clear for the river.
Opening day projected hot presentations. Every year anglers get fish on jig and minnow either cast or vertical jigged (1/8 to 3/8 ounce), Lindy rigs with live bait are very popular and deadly (number six or four VMC livebait octopus hook either needle point or fast grip on a fluorocarbon leader, and ¼ to ½ ounce weight), trolling crankbaits on long lines also works well. For longline trolling the Shad Raps perform very well size seven and eight will get down deep enough to cover the 9 to 14 foot range that many walleyes will be in on opening day. Considering the clear water that is likely a more neutral approach for colors would suffice. i.e. baby bass, silver, blue gill and yellow perch. Some anglers will also slow troll spinner and minnow on a Wolf River rig.
The forecast for the river level in Stillwater ,Minnesota is 677.9 for opener.
Good luck!
April 23, 2009 at 3:20 pm
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